Back Taping

The following lower back taping techniques are designed to support the lower back, improve postural alignment and reduce stress on the spine during activity. They can be used for both the treatment and prevention of lower back injuries, particularly those associated with poor posture or caused by excessive bending forward, sitting or lifting activities (e.g. a lumbar disc bulge). For upper back taping techniques, refer to Posture Taping.

You should discuss the suitability of these taping techniques with your physiotherapist prior to using them. Generally, they should only be applied provided they are comfortable and do not cause an increase in pain, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness, itchiness or excessive redness of the back, bottom, legs, ankles, feet and toes.

What sort of tape should be used for back taping?

There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. However, when the purpose is to support the lower back and restrict undesired movement, adhesive, non-stretch (rigid) sports tape is generally most appropriate. (For back strapping, 38mm for smaller adults, adolescents and children, and 50mm for larger adults, are usually the most appropriate sizes). This should always be used in combination with hypoallergenic tape as an underlay, such as Fixomull.

Benefits of Back Taping

When used correctly, the following back taping techniques can help to:

Indications for Back Taping

It is generally beneficial to use back taping in the following instances:

With certain lower back injuries – such as a lumbar disc bulge where forward bending activities may aggravate the injury. (This should be discussed with the treating physiotherapist as certain injuries should not be taped).

To prevent injury or injury aggravation – Back taping may be beneficial during activities or sports that place the lower back at risk of injury or injury aggravation (such as heavy lifting activities, gardening, repetitive bending forwards etc.)

When should I avoid Back Taping?

Back taping should be avoided in the following instances:

If you have certain injuries (such as some fractures - this should be discussed with the treating physiotherapist)

If you have a skin allergy to sports tape

If the taping technique results in an increase in symptoms such as pain, ache, itchiness, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness, or excessive redness of the back, bottom, legs, ankles, feet or toes.

If you have sensory problems

Weaning off back tape in general activity is usually recommended as posture, strength and range of movement improves and symptoms reduce. In these instances, however, taping during high risk activities (such as excessive sitting, driving, bending or lifting) may still be recommended.

Back Taping Techniques

The following lower back taping techniques may be used to provide support for the lower back and to improve posture. Generally it is recommended that any hairs are shaved off the back 12 hours prior to taping (to prevent painful removal of hairs and skin irritation). The skin should be cleaned and dried, removing any grease or sweat. Low irritant Fixomull tape should be applied as an underlay, to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation, with rigid sports tape over the top of this.

Back Taping

Begin standing or lying flat (on your stomach) in good posture. Your spine should be straight, and, if standing, your shoulders should be back and your chin tucked in (eyes looking straight ahead – figure 1).

Figure 1 – Good Posture

Anchors

Place a horizontal strip of tape along the top of the lower back and another one across the top of the pelvis (figure 2). These are used as fixation points for the other taping techniques.

Figure 2 – Anchors

Vertical Lines

Maintain the spine in optimal posture either lying face down or in standing (figure 1). Begin this taping technique at the level of the top anchor by following the black arrows (figure 3). Conclude this taping technique at the level of the bottom anchor by following the white arrows (figure 3). Create 3 straight vertical lines with the middle line in the centre of the spine.

Figure 3 – Vertical Lines

Diagonal Lines

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Back Taping - Additional Support

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Removing the tape

Care should be taken when removing the tape to avoid injury aggravation or skin damage. The tape should be removed slowly, pulling the tape back on itself with pressure placed on the skin as close as possible to the line of attachment of the tape.Generally tape should be removed within 48 hours of tape application or sooner if there is any increase in pain or symptoms (including skin irritation or itchiness).

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